Lino Lakes Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Toddler

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Lino Lakes man is charged with the sexual assault of a toddler, according to the Anoka County District Attorney's office.

Sterling Robert Stewart, 29, is charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct, first degree assault and the malicious punishment of a child.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began when a 21-month-old girl was brought to the hospital with multiple bruises on her face and body, consistent with a sexual assault.

The girl's mother told investigators she took the child to Stewart's home in Lino Lakes on Saturday. While they were there, the mother took a two-hour nap. When she woke up, she found the girl wrapped in a blanket, asleep. Stewart told the mother the child had gotten a bruise on her face from falling off the couch and hitting a rocking horse. Later, when the mother got home, she noticed even more bruising and took the girl to the hospital.

Investigators found Stewart's claims were inconsistent to the child's injuries, and arrested him.

If convicted, he could face up to 55 years in prison and $80,000 in fines. His next court date is Sept. 20.